What are the side effects of taking magnesium tablets?

Magnesium is one of those minerals that is less studied while it has significant unique benefits. Did you know that magnesium is the fourth most abundant mineral in your body? Very important functions from energy production to DNA production in the body require the element magnesium. Strengthening bones, regulating blood pressure and keeping the heart rhythm constant are just some of the benefits of magnesium. Magnesium deficiency in the body can be compensated by taking magnesium supplements in the form of tablets or capsules. Does this pill have any side effects? Side effects of taking magnesium pills are the topic of this article, stay tuned.

Benefits of magnesium for the human body

In our country, as in many other countries, people do not consume enough foods containing magnesium. People who are deficient in magnesium are more likely to have high inflammatory markers in their body. You should know that inflammation, in turn, is associated with heart disease, diabetes and even some cancers. Magnesium deficiency also increases the risk of osteoporosis in the body. Proper levels of magnesium in the body prevent high blood pressure in people with this disease. Magnesium deficiency is rare but is more common in the following cases:

• Kidney patients
• People with Crohn’s disease
• Parathyroid problems
• People taking certain medications for diabetes and cancer
• elderly
• Alcoholics

Side effects of taking magnesium tablets

Magnesium supplements are generally considered safe. Most people who take magnesium tablets often do not have any side effects, but in some cases the following side effects may occur:

Gastrointestinal side effects

Diarrhea, nausea and vomiting may occur after taking magnesium tablets. Especially if the person has used this supplement in high doses. Magnesium intake will often not be observed if the doctor prescribes it.

Keep in mind that people with kidney problems are more likely to have side effects from supplements such as magnesium.

Stool softening

Magnesium supplements often soften stools. This complication is not annoying and people may not even realize that it is a symptom of taking magnesium pills. Be aware that very high doses of magnesium can even be fatal. Nausea, diarrhea, low blood pressure, muscle weakness and fatigue are symptoms of taking too much magnesium supplement.

Who should not take magnesium pills?

Everyone can take magnesium as a supplement if needed. People with diabetes, intestinal diseases, heart disease or kidney disease should not take magnesium pills without consulting their doctor. Also note that according to evidence and research, taking magnesium pills will not be of particular benefit if the body is not deficient in this mineral. So avoid taking magnesium supplements for no reason and without consulting your doctor.

Drug interaction of magnesium tablets

Side effects of taking magnesium tablets In many cases, it may be due to drug interactions. Magnesium supplements can interact with the following medications:

• Diuretics or diuretics
• antibiotics
• Heart pills

Therefore, if you take these types of drugs, consult your doctor before taking magnesium tablets.

How much magnesium do we need daily?

The recommended daily allowance for magnesium at different ages is as follows:

• 1 to 3 years old: 80 mg
• 4 to 8 years old: 130 mg
• 9 to 13 years old: 240 mg

From the age of 14 the recommended amount for men and women is different:

• 14 to 18 years: women: 360 and men: 410 mg
• 19 to 30 years: Women: 310 and men 400 mg
• 31 years old onwards: 320 mg for women and 420 mg for men

Also, during pregnancy, women under 19 need 400 mg of magnesium, 350 to 19 to 30 years old and 360 mg to 31 years old need 360 mg of magnesium daily. During breastfeeding, women under the age of 19 need 360 mg of magnesium daily, 19 to 30 years of age need 310 mg, and 31 years of age and above need 320 mg of magnesium. Primarily, the body needs to be supplied with magnesium by eating magnesium food sources.

When is the best time to take a magnesium pill?

You can take magnesium supplements at any time of the day. It does not matter if you eat it in the morning before breakfast, with meals or just before bed. Some people prefer to take magnesium tablets with food or before going to bed to reduce the side effects. Taking magnesium before bed with a positive effect on reducing stress may be effective in improving sleep quality.

What are the food sources of magnesium?

The best natural sources of magnesium are:

• Green leafy vegetables like spinach
• Beans, peas and soy
• Whole grains
• Whole grains

Be aware that magnesium may be lost in processed foods.

The final word

Side effects of taking magnesium tablets are not very common and only occur when a person has taken too much of this supplement. Magnesium tablets also interact with some medications, such as heart medications, and should be avoided at the same time to prevent side effects and reduce absorption. Try to meet your body’s need for magnesium in the first place by consuming natural sources of magnesium, ie foods, and go for magnesium supplements only when your body really needs them.